Many countries are making progress when it comes to LGBT rights. For example since 1990, 40 countries have decriminalised homosexuality, over 30 have outlawed homophobic hate crimes; and as of 2015, over 60 countries legally protect a LGBT people at work.* However, many people around the world still struggle with violence and inequality on a daily basis, simply because of who they choose to love or who they are. Issues range from unjust laws, censorship, medical abuse, domestic violence and other human rights abuses.
Despite projections for the global LGBT population being as high as 10%* in some studies, 73 countries* across the globe hold criminal laws against sexual activity by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex people; in 10 of these countries* being gay or bisexual can be punishable by death. In the UK alone, forces recorded 5,597 hate crimes against LGBT people in 2014-15, a rise of 22 percent.* According to reports cited by Stonewall, other worrying statistics include:
- One in five lesbian, gay, and bi employees have experienced verbal bullying from colleagues, customers or service users because of their sexual orientation in the last five years.
- Nearly half of transgender people under 26 said they had attempted suicide, while 59 percent said they had at least considered doing so.
- 59 percent of transgender youth said they had deliberately hurt themselves, compared with 8.9 percent of all 16-24 year olds.
- More than half of lesbian, gay and bisexual students have experienced direct bullying
- Between 2008 and 2014, 1,612 transgender people were murdered across 62 countries, which is equivalent to a killing every two days.
How you can help
Below are sources of further information on the fight for LGBT rights across the globe, including details about how you can get involved.
Human Rights Watch – News, analysis and resources from a human rights perspective, including LGBT rights.
Stonewall – Group campaigning for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the UK.
LGBT Foundation – Offers information for LGBT people on sexual health, well-being, groups and events.
E&D Competition of the Month: LGBT History Month
Remember that LGBT History Month is this month’s prize competition topic. To be in with a chance of winning a £20 amazon voucher, simply submit an effort you have made to engage with this topic to College. This competition is open to all CAW students and staff, submissions should be sent to marketing@caw.ac.uk, or handed in at your centre, by Friday 24 February 2017.